5 Must Have Features That Transform Electrical Estimating for Contractors

Accurate electrical estimating is the cornerstone of every successful electrical project. Detailed estimates help account for:

• Rising material costs
• Labor challenges
• Job-specific electrical regulations

Many electrical estimators are investing in electrical estimating software to build more winning bids.

The best estimating software for electrical contractors offers a variety of features designed to:

• Increase estimate accuracy and volume
• Minimize errors
• Increase profitability

Here are the top estimating features that electrical contractors should keep in mind when looking for electrical estimating software.

1. Trade-Specific Databases

In the electrical industry, material costs fluctuate regularly, and electrical contractors need to stay on top of accurate pricing is key to long-term success and building strong relationships with vendors.

Electrical estimating software should provide an up-to-date, trade-specific database of electrical materials, including:

• Wires
• Cables
• Outlets
• Panels
• And more

Having real-time access to material costs ensures that contractors can build accurate estimates to avoid underpricing or overpricing their jobs.

This is important because underpricing jobs eats into expected profits, whereas overpricing can lose the contractor the job.

With a trade-specific database, contractors can quickly adjust their electrical estimates as material prices change, allowing them to remain competitive while protecting their profit margins.

2. All-in-One Platform

Digital takeoff software solutions are a game-changer for electrical contractors because they can complete precise electrical takeoffs in a fraction of the time.

Electrical estimators can:

1. Import their project plans
2. Set units of measurements and define layers (ex. walls, floors, etc.)
3. Point and click where they want the items and assemblies, and the software will automatically count quantities and measurements
4. Apply rates from the trade-specific databases
5. Generate a detailed breakdown with precise quantities and costs for their project

Some electrical estimating software offers built-in takeoff capabilities, which means electrical estimators can perform the takeoff process and create comprehensive estimates from the same screen.

Ultimately, all-in-one takeoff and estimating software allows contractors to precisely measure project plans, automatically calculate trade-specific materials to complete the estimating process in a fraction of the time.

3. Cloud-Based

Cloud-based electrical estimating software give estimators access to estimates and reports on any device from anywhere by signing on to a secure online portal.

Conversely, their on-premise counterparts only allow estimators to use the estimating software on the device(s) it’s installed on.

Oftentimes, cloud-based estimating software provides unlimited storage so estimators can easily review past estimates to make adjustments for future project requirements and make their electrical bidding process more efficient.

Additionally, cloud-based estimating software normally includes automatic software updates to improve functionality and security. Many electrical estimating software have shifted toward a cloud-based focus because of the flexibility it offers users. It’s important electrical estimators ask potential electrical estimating software vendors if their software runs on the cloud.

4. Change Order Management

Change orders are common in electrical contracting, whether due to unforeseen site conditions or changes requested by the client. Estimating software that includes change order management helps contractors efficiently handle these adjustments and maintain the project timeline. The electrical software should provide contractors with:

• A centralized platform for estimators and stakeholders to collaborate on change orders and review key documentation
• Real-time updates that reflect across the entire change order for all end users
• Digital signatures to get fast, clear approval from supervisors and stakeholders
• Version control to track changes and prevent miscommunication

Each of these features ensures electrical contractors can effectively address change orders to reduce project delays. It also helps them improve communication and build trust with stakeholders.

5. Integrations

Efficient operations often require multiple software systems to work together. The best estimating tools integrate seamlessly with other platforms, such as accounting software or project management platforms.

These pairings ensure that once an estimate is approved, it can automatically flow into other parts of the business without the need for duplicate data entry.

For electrical contractors, this means that once the estimate is finalized, it can be directly transferred into the accounting system to get a comprehensive view of a project’s finances.

Integration with project management software gives electrical estimators access to important project details — such as labor hours and material deliveries — to address change orders.

Build Winning Electrical Bids With McCormick

For electrical contractors, having the right electrical estimating features is essential for:

• Winning more jobs
• Faster takeoffs
• Ensuring accurate bids
• Maintaining profitability

Investing in leading electrical estimating software — like McCormick — ensures you receive the key features you need to have long-term success and potentially win larger electrical job opportunities.

For more information about McCormick, speak to a specialist today!